Frequently Asked Questions from Applicants
A
Few Great Reasons to Work for The Kennedy Center
Employee Benefits | Current
Employment Opportunities | Applicant
FAQ | How to Apply
Q. Why apply to the Kennedy Center?
A. The Kennedy Center has a variety of positions available. The Kennedy Center serves dually as the national center for the performing arts and a living memorial to the late president. The Kennedy Center is located on the east bank of the Potomac River in the nation’s capital. It hosts world-class soloists, ballets, symphonies and Broadway plays and is home to the Washington Opera and National Symphony Orchestra.
Q. How do I know what employment opportunities exist at the Kennedy Center?
A. Job openings are posted on:
-- The Kennedy Center web site at kennedy-center.org/jobs
-- On the Job Board outside of Human Resources
Q. How and where do I apply?
A. For consideration, apply on-line at www.kennedy-center.org/jobs, or email your resume to hrdept@kennedy-center.org. Failure to submit requested information may result in elimination for further consideration.
Q. How are vacancies filled?
A. Based upon review of minimum and preferred qualifications, Human Resources refers candidates, along with their application materials, to hiring departments. The hiring department considers application materials submitted, selects candidates for interviewing, and makes final hiring decisions.
Q. If there are two positions advertised with the same job title, e.g., Program Assistant, can I submit one application and be considered for both?
A. You must submit a separate application for each position, specifying the job title.
Q. May I leave a resume for future opportunities?
A. No. Resumes will only be accepted for positions that are currently open.
Q. How can I improve my application or resume?
A. It is important that your application and/or resume demonstrate that you meet minimum and preferred qualifications; be sure to include employment dates and the specific duties you performed that relate to the position for which you are applying.
Q. I have found another job. Should I notify you?
A. It is not necessary that you inform us that you found another position unless you have had a personal interview with the Kennedy Center’s hiring department and feel you may be under consideration for the position for which you applied.
Q. If I have a disability, should I note it on the application? When should I notify the Kennedy Center of this disability?
A. The disability should not be noted on the application, but you may contact Human Resources if you need to request an accommodation in completing the application or thereafter. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Kennedy Center will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants who make their requests known in advance.
Q. What happens if I submit a resume without a cover letter that is called for in the job posting?
A. Failure to submit the requested information may result in elimination for further consideration.
Q. How often is job vacancy information updated on your web site?
A. Job vacancy information on the web site is updated regularly. Check the site (www.kennedy-center.org/jobs) daily for updates.
Q. How do I know if a job I see listed is still open?
A. Jobs that appear on the web are open until either the positions are filled or a closing date is stated. If the position is no longer posted applications will no longer be accepted for that position. Applications for positions that list a closing date will not be accepted past the stated date.
Q. Do you have temporary positions?
A. Positions advertised will state the type of employment.
Q. What’s an Internship? How do I find out about internships?
A. Internships serve as a means for students to gain practical, professional experience and to augment their academic knowledge. Students learn by actually taking part in an organization and observing how things are run. Internships may or may not be paid. For information on internships, please contact the Kennedy Center’s Internship Coordinator, Education Department at (202) 416-8821.
Q. Can I contact the department to find out more about the job?
A. You are not able to contact the department directly. If you are interested in a job based on the posting information, you should apply for the position. If you are invited for an interview, you will have the opportunity during the interview to ask questions about the position.
Q. If a job was posted a few months ago but still shows open on the web, is it really still open?
A. If a job is listed on our web site, it is considered open. Be aware some jobs take longer to fill than others.
Q. How long does the process take from when I submit my resume?
A. Once you've submitted your resume for a specific position, your resume is processed and sent to the hiring department within 24 hours after receipt. You will receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of your application from the Human Resources Department. The hiring department will contact you directly to schedule an interview, if appropriate.
Q. Do you accept general resumes?
A. No, you must apply for a specific job. Resumes indicating a specific job title are forwarded to the hiring department for review if it meets the minimum qualifications. General (sometimes called "unsolicited" ) resumes are rejected.
Q. Where do I submit my resume and cover letter?
A. Resumes may be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, The Kennedy Center, P O Box 101510, Arlington VA 22210-1808.
Q. Who should I address my cover letter to?
A. You may address your cover letter to the Human Resources Department. Please make sure that you indicate what position you are applying for.
Q. If I am called for an interview, where do I go? What's the address?
A. Interviews are conducted at the department where the vacancy exists. Be sure to get thorough information (name of department contact, location, phone number, directions, etc.) when you are called for an interview. You may visit the Kennedy Center homepage for directions to the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center offers free shuttle service to and from the Foggy Bottom Metro Station. The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station is an approximately seven-minute walk from the Kennedy Center via New Hampshire Avenue.
Q. If I am hired by the Kennedy Center, what must I do?
A. Should you accept an offer of employment with The Kennedy Center, in order to comply with the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act, you must present the appropriate ORIGINAL documentation on your first day of work. You will be provided a list from which to choose the documentation well before your first day of employment. You will be required to complete and sign an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9). The hiring supervisor or a Human Resources representative will make copies of your documentation.
Q. Thanks for your help, but what if I still have questions?
A. If you have questions, comments, or feedback on the employment process or this web site, you may email the Human Resources Department or call (202) 416-8604.